Facebook's "show trial" & Sinclair news scripts questioned

Your digest of the week’s top media, entertainment and technology news.

Facebook chief’s “show trial”Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg faced questions from Senators in Washington DC in relation to the ongoing data protection scandal with Cambridge Analytica. In a comment piece, The Guardian described the process as a “show trial” and “an utter sham”. Zuckerberg defended the social media company and claimed his own data was harvested. The BBC reported Facebook is also exploring whether to take action against the University of Cambridge.

Sinclair’s news scripts questionedSenators have called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate Sinclair Broadcasting Group for “deliberately distorting news” and asked the commission to pause its ongoing review of the company’s proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of Tribune Media Co. According to Reuters, there is concern about local news anchors at Sinclair-owned stations around the US being forced to read company-mandated scripts.

Disney launches with ESPN+The new streaming service launched a re-designed app on Thursday serving as the home for ESPN+. It is one of two OTT product offerings being developed with Disney and is ESPN’s answer to its growing streaming audience and decline in viewers of its linear TV channel. Disney will focus on niche sports and underserved fanbases, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

FCC Chairman says modernisation is on the waySpeaking during a conference session at the NAB Show, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai told delegates the decisions made under his tenure were based on making the right choices for broadcasters and consumers alike. TV Technology reported Pai announced a new shared proposal updating FCC rules on translator interference and the FCC will soon be opening a special displacement window for LPTV and translator services, this comes after the controversial rollback of the net neutrality policy.

UK launches cyber attack on Islamic StateA “major offensive cyber-campaign” against the Islamic State group has been conducted by the UK, reported the BBC. The operation hindered the group’s ability to coordinate attacks and suppressed its propaganda, it is the first time the UK has systematically degraded an adversary’s online efforts in a military campaign.

BBC TV Centre hosts Avengers: Infinity WarMarvel Studios’ 2018 superhero blockbuster hosted a red carpet fan event on Thursday at the BBC Studioworks’ Television Centre which reopened its doors late last year. The 10,800 square foot studio was turned into a high-spec cinema with a 15m wide screen, surround sound and seating for 600+ fans. BBC Studioworks’ cameras, galleries and tapeless record suite were used to produce multi-camera coverage of the event, reported ATV Today.

Cisco and Juniper rival for best cloud securityExtending from the public cloud to private cloud and offering on-premise infrastructures, Cisco and Juniper are ramping up their cloud security offerings. Both companies are enhancing and extending their solutions against the innovative cyber criminals attacks, reported Light Reading. However, if 2017 annual sales are the judge, Cisco’s annual sales were $48 billion, while Juniper’s only came in at $5 billion.

Only registered users can comment on this article.

IBC is owned by

IBC is run by the industry, for the industry. Six leading international bodies own IBC, representing both exhibitors and visitors. Their insights ensure that the annual convention is always relevant, comprehensive and timely. It is with their support that IBC remains the leading international forum for everyone involved in content creation, management and delivery.